Bressler Risk Blog

In this BRB jobs update, I’m pleased to highlight an opening at Manatt: “Senior Conflicts Attorney” —

• The Senior Conflicts Attorney will serve as a key member of the Firm’s Legal and Risk Management team, working in close collaboration with the Conflicts team to proactively identify, research, and resolve potential conflicts of interest and risk management issues. This non-billing, business professional role is central to supporting the firm’s risk management and client intake processes.
• The Senior Conflicts Attorney will lead complex conflict-of-interest analyses, provide expert guidance to partners and firm leadership regarding ethical compliance, and help develop and implement best practices to protect the firm across a wide variety of matters and jurisdictions.
• This position offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced conflicts attorney who excels in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and possesses the sound judgment required to address sophisticated legal and business challenges, especially for lateral conflicts clearances. This role will not be a billing professional but will be a Business Professional role and sit within the Legal and Risk Management department.
• Offices: Los Angeles; Boston; Orange County; Silicon Valley; Sacramento; Washington, D.C.; Chicago; San Diego; San Francisco

Key Responsibilities

• Review, identify and advise Firm attorneys, staff, and incoming professionals on conflicts of interest issues and appropriate resolutions; and possess and maintain knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct in the US generally and California specifically.
• Handle lateral conflicts clearances, including identifying and appropriately resolving all conflicts issues, assisting with onboarding new hires, working with candidates to obtain additional information as needed, and communicating with appropriate department chairs and the General Counsel’s office regarding appropriate resolutions.
• Serve as a point of contact in handling the resolution of escalated conflicts and intake issues.
• Assist with training other members of the Conflicts Department, including assisting with creating written training materials, developing best practices and procedures, and ensuring standardized results across the Department.
• Assist with the formulation, documentation, and execution of strategic plans and procedures related to business intake and conflict-of-interest analysis/resolution to ensure proper conflict management.
• Work with Firm professionals and the General Counsel’s office to review, draft, negotiate, and ultimately finalize waiver letters, disclosures, and engagement agreements and termination letters on matter-by-matter basis.
• Communicate with and advise professionals, secretaries and other Firm personnel on established Firm policies and Procedures related to conflicts.
• Consult on procedural issues concerning Firm policies that affect the Conflicts Department.
• Propose conflicts and other relevant language for RFP responses.
• Review and revise outside counsel guidelines and similar policies and contracts received from Firm clients, and provide direction and options regarding items of concern, including working with Firm attorneys regarding compliance with such terms.
• Confirm need for and create ethical walls to screen individuals from particular clients and matters as part of conflict clearing process.
• Conduct advanced level research projects on corporate affiliations and corporate relatedness
• Prioritize requests and coordinate with other team members as appropriate to maintain appropriate flow of priority requests.
• Handle special projects, including research projects, at the direction of the General Counsel’s office.
• All other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications

• JD degree required
• Must be currently licensed in good standing in a firm-approved U.S. state.
• Member of state bar in the corresponding state in which work is performed.
• Minimum of five (5) years law firm experience at an AmLaw 100 firm clearing and resolving new business conflict issues required, with a minimum of four (4) years experience handling lateral conflicts clearances
• Effective and succinct oral communication and clear and concise written communication.
• Effective analytical, logical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with legal ethics and privilege issues.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion
• Commitment to exceptional internal and external client service
• Must be extremely detail oriented, organized and have great follow through skills
• Must be able to learn new software programs as needed
• Must be able to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner
• Must be flexible in order to respond quickly and positively to shifting demands
• Must be able to communicate effectively with all Firm constituents
• Experience with Intapp is a plus
• Prior experience with resolving conflicts for bankruptcy matters a plus
• Strong Outlook, Excel and Word skills required
• Demonstrated reliability and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a hybrid (remote and in-office) team environment.
• The Firm operates on a hybrid work schedule requiring in-office presence Tuesday through Thursday, with optional remote work permitted on Mondays and Fridays. All employees must remain available for onsite work up to five days per week as business needs dictate. This schedule is subject to change; flexibility is required

See the complete job posting for more details on the job requirements and to apply for this position.

About Manatt

With 500+ professionals and 350+ business professionals, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP (www.manatt.com), is a multidisciplinary, integrated national professional services firm known for quality and an extraordinary commitment to clients. The Firm’s groundbreaking approach—bringing together legal services, advocacy and business strategy—differentiates Manatt from its competitors and positions the Firm to provide a distinct and compelling value proposition.

Learn more about working at the firm on their careers page.

And if you’re interested in seeing your firm’s listings here, please feel free to reach out…

In this BRB jobs update, I’m pleased to highlight an open role at Littler: “Conflicts Analyst” —

• The Conflicts Analyst is accountable for accurate conflicts analyses, completed in a timely fashion with sufficient care to detail and thoroughness so as to minimize risk to the Firm.
• This is a remote position. If resident in Kansas City, MO or Atlanta, GA, a hybrid work schedule will be required.
• Pursuant to Colorado, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Washington, DC regulation, the salary range for this position is $32.00 – $44.80 per hour and includes eligibility for performance-based bonuses.
• Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. We offer generous compensation and benefits packages. For more information visit: https://www.littler.com/benefits/state-details.

Responsibilities:

• Ensures that parties are entered correctly into the conflicts database, including corporate family trees, for conflicts purposes.
• Ensures that conflicts analyses are communicated accurately and thoroughly to attorneys or management in writing (where appropriate) and orally.
• Accountable for responsiveness, clear communication and excellent service toward internal customers.
• Perform such other/additional duties as may from time to time be assigned.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated familiarity with Intapp Open, Elite/3E or other conflicts and financial software. Familiarity with Dun & Bradstreet, Orbis, Capital IQ and/or other corporate-family or legal research tools. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Organize and prioritize numerous tasks
  • Address tasks in a logical sequence and minimize errors while maintaining quick turnaround times.
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize the work of others and appropriately balance responsiveness with accuracy and thoroughness
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate complicated and detailed conflicts analyses to attorneys or management in writing or orally.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate with and effectively follow the direction of a diverse group of attorneys and staff, and to provide good customer service to all levels of an organization.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with law firm engagement letters, outside counsel guidelines, conflict waiver agreements, and basic elements of law firm structure and administration.
  • Demonstrated ability to run conflicts searches and review conflicts reports for potential conflicts of interest, take steps to resolve potential conflicts, and appropriately escalate issues if needed Demonstrated ability to analyze accurately potential conflicts of interest, including investigating the facts of the situation by asking questions of attorneys and analyzing data housed in firm systems. Awareness of (a) cures for conflicts such as waivers and ethics screens and (b) conflicts that cannot be waived.

Education and Certifications::

• Required: Associate’s degree or relevant education and experience
• Preferred: Bachelor’s or Paralegal certificate.

Experience Required:

• Minimum 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Law Firm experience is preferred.

See the complete job posting for more details on the job and to apply for this position.

About Littler

Littler is the largest global employment and labor law practice in the world exclusively devoted to representing management. With more than 1,800 attorneys in over 100 offices worldwide, Littler serves as the single source solution provider to the global employer community. Consistently recognized in the industry as a leading and innovative law practice, Littler has been litigating, mediating and negotiating some of the most influential employment law cases and labor contracts on record for over 75 years. Littler’s unparalleled commitment to labor and employment law helps clients navigate a complex business world with nuanced legal issues—building better solutions for clients’ toughest challenges. With deep experience and resources that are local, everywhere, Littler is fully focused on its clients. With a diverse team of the brightest minds, Littler fosters a culture that celebrates original thinking. And with powerful proprietary technology, Littler disrupts the status quo—delivering bold, groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers not just for what’s happening today, but for what’s likely to happen tomorrow.

For more information about our firm visit: www.littler.com.

And if you’re interested in seeing your firm’s listings here, please feel free to reach out…

In this BRB jobs update, I’m pleased to highlight an opening at Shipman & Goodwin: “New Business Intake (NBI) Specialist” —

• We are seeking a New Business Intake Specialist, resident in our Boston office.
• The New Business Intake Specialist will be responsible for:
  • (i) the end-to-end internal intake workflow for new clients and matters by gathering required data from requesting attorneys and practice teams in the Boston office;
  • (ii) the coordination and analysis of conflict checks and production of due diligence with respect to the same;
  • and (iii) the supplemental support of the New Business Intake (“NBI”) team in non-Boston NBI matters.
• The Specialist will review and analyze new client and matter workflows to ensure data integrity and assure that Firm matters are being opened in accordance with Firm policies and procedures.
• Additionally, the Specialist will assist the Firm in complying with its professional responsibility obligations, ethical and legal duties in support of the Director and the General Counsel.

See the complete job posting for more details on the job requirements and to apply for this position.

About Shipman

From lawyers to professional administrative staff, our success depends on finding and hiring talented people for every position in the firm. The dedication, commitment and talent of our employees allow Shipman to provide superior client service. We value, appreciate, and recognize the talent and contributions of all our employees. We offer a supportive, stimulating environment that celebrates and encourages the qualities we value most. Our core values, integrity, service excellence, collaboration, collegiality and community are the foundation of our success.

Learn more about working at the firm on their careers page.

And if you’re interested in seeing your firm’s listings here, please feel free to reach out…

In this BRB jobs update, I’m pleased to highlight an opening at WilmerHale: “Conflicts Attorney” —

• Responsible for providing contextual analysis and critical assessment of new business intake (and other) matters with specific conflicts clearance responsibilities; providing direction, professional development, training, and review of work product of conflicts team.
• The Conflicts Attorney’s responsibilities also include providing guidance and implementing department administrative objectives as needed, overseeing and serving as a department and Firm resource for Outside Counsel Guidelines (OCGs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), lateral conflicts checks, and ethical screens; and actively participate in decision making in connection with conflicts resolution, business clearance and related ethics matters.
• LOCATIONS:
  • Washington, DC
  • Dayton, Ohio

About this Role

• Provide contextual analysis and critical assessment of new business intake reports, lateral hire conflicts checks, RFPs, OCGs, and other conflicts materials, together with corresponding conflicts database hits, for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to firm procedures; refine or supplement packages as needed. Support department’s intake of and response to OCGs. Draft, provide or finalize accurate and deadline-driven responses in conjunction with other stakeholders and subject matter experts; work with attorneys to negotiate specific terms as needed; ensure accurate records and tracking system are maintained, and provide updates on developments that could affect department or Firm and make recommendations regarding OCG work procedures or specific situations.
• The Conflicts Attorney guides the Conflicts Teams’ responses or directly handles the responses to the more complex requests. The Conflicts Attorney provides ongoing feedback and professional development in furtherance of the Conflicts Team gaining the expertise to handle certain categories of Info Searches (identified by the Deputy General Counsel) independently (and with timely periodic reviews by Conflicts Attorneys).
• Communicate and disseminate conflicts of interest information verbally or in writing to the Business Intake Approval Committee (BIAC); communicate with all levels of firm personnel on a variety of conflicts of interest issues and procedures. Monitor, evaluate, and effectively manage clearance e-mail dialogue for the BIAC as needed. Provide concise, timely, and accurate communication of clearance-related issues to appropriate parties as needed.
• Oversee department’s administration of ethical screens, maintaining familiarity with the disqualification rules (and the differences in which the rules apply to lawyers and non-lawyers) for multiple jurisdictions. This includes review of the client consent or waiver letter and matter clearance documents, assessment of the screening requirements, and related follow ups needed to supplement the file with any other information needed to implement the (usually time sensitive) screen. Ensure that the screening records are complete and include all the data elements critical for accurate reporting. The Conflicts Attorney is also responsible for all research in connection with screen-specific conflicts questions, report requests, and implementation or removal projects. Oversee department’s responses to time sensitive attorney requests for specific or non-standard conflicts waiver and engagement letter language as needed. Use independent judgment to determine whether response requires additional review. Accurately memorialize consents and restrictions and disseminate updates as needed.
• Able to manage department’s lateral conflicts check process; this includes substantive and material involvement in the tracking of incoming lateral checks, ensuring successful inter- and intra-department deliverables through approaches that address both micro and macro level elements of the department’s workflow, workload, and other competing demands. Managing the process also includes serving as a resource for all assigned conflicts staff upon receipt and review of each lateral form.
• Oversee research provided for RFP process; this includes serving as a resource for Conflicts Staff upon receipt and review of the RFP, directing the focus and search and refining or supplementing packages as needed prior to review; and ensuring up-to-date tracking mechanisms for status of searches and timely delivery of deadline-driven responses. May draft, finalize or provide accurate responses to attorneys and Client Development and others as needed.
• Monitor new business and conflicts trends, remaining current with respect to both individual practice areas and the Firm as a whole.
• Supervise weekend and holiday coverage on a rotating basis. Responsibilities include advising Conflicts Staff on any intake-related questions or concerns Utilize clear, effective, and direct communications to collaborate with other Conflicts Staff to plan and carry out all projects. This includes timely establishment and communication of related changes, developments, and contingency plans to department management and staff.
• As a subject matter expert, provide ongoing review of Conflicts Team’s work product. Provide formal (subject matter and work product-specific) feedback as requested for inclusion in performance evaluations.
  Independently identify research needs, effectively utilizing third-party business resources as relevant to the situation or topic. Plan library or electronic research, pacer, IP database, conflicts database, wall builder database, adobe acrobat, or other conflicts-specific or electronic workflow-specific training for teams as needed. Participate in the hiring process for Conflicts Team including evaluating potential candidates, resumes, interviewing; and providing recommendations.
• Assists with proactively supporting client service by actively participating in the firm’s service excellence programs. Ensures that staff members are providing quality service to internal members/departments of the firm as well as external clients and vendors by displaying professionalism via electronic and print correspondence, over the telephone and in-person and by encouraging an atmosphere that rewards a “can do” attitude.
• Manage special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Ability to consistently exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance to the Firm’s incoming business; demonstrated consistency in exhibiting mature judgment and handling legally complex and confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to consistently exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to non-supervisory working relationships and interactions with staff while facilitating adherence to guidelines or procedures; demonstrated consistency in exhibiting mature judgment in connection with timely and accurate communication to peers and management regarding staff developments and concerns.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, as a subject matter expert, and with department management, maintaining the team’s customer service focus and a forward-looking approach to improving workflow processes and processes.
• Articulate communicator both orally and in writing; excellent business writing skills; ability to apply these communication skills effectively and efficiently in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, including the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision and under pressure; consistent detail-orientation in subject matter-specific, administrative, and supervisory arenas.
• Pro-active self-starter; demonstrated ability to see and remain mindful of the big picture without losing sight of details.
• Willingness, initiative, and resourcefulness necessary to independently plan and coordinate work with others as necessary to bring projects to completion while demonstrating mature judgment in the amount, frequency, and content of communication to department management and attorneys and staff regarding the status of product deliverables, timelines, or other substantive developments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; ability to use (or learn) electronic workflow systems; online legal research services (e.g., Lexis, Westlaw), searchable conflicts databases (e.g., Intapp), ethical wall builder databases (e.g., Intapp), finance databases (e.g., 3E), and other research or reporting tools (e.g., CPi or web-based ad hoc reporting software).

See the complete job posting for more details on the job requirements and to apply for this position.

About WilmerHale

WilmerHale is a leading, full-service international law firm with 1,000 lawyers located throughout 12 offices in the United States and Europe. Our lawyers work at the intersection of government, technology and business, and we remain committed to our guiding principles of providing quality, excellent legal and client services; developing diversity among our lawyers and staff and cultivating an environment that promotes an ambitious spirit, collaboration and collegiality by drawing on the extraordinary talents and dynamic experience of our lawyers. Our goal is to reflect the diversity of our clients and the communities in which we practice.

Learn more about working at the firm on their careers page.

And if you’re interested in seeing your firm’s listings here, please feel free to reach out…

In this BRB jobs update, I’m pleased to highlight an open role at Robinson+Cole: “Conflicts Attorney” —

• This position is responsible for identifying and assisting in the resolution of potential ethical and business conflicts arising out of the submission of conflict search requests, the intake of new clients and matters, requests relating to client/matter maintenance, and the hiring of lateral attorneys, contract attorneys, and non-lawyer staff.
• This position will report to the, Director of Risk Management & Conflicts and working closely with the General Counsel to ensure overall risk related to lateral hire conflicts and client/matter intake is minimized.
• Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for creating, reviewing, analyzing, and clearing conflict of interest reports for clients, matters and potential lawyers joining the firm. Facilitates resolution of potential conflicts for requesting lawyers and legal recruiting team firm wide. Provides input and guidance into review process of other team members.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Conduct conflicts of interest searches on all parties and clients for incoming new business for all offices.
• Use internal and external databases to conduct factual research; identify potential conflicts, including determining the status of relevant matters, ascertaining the nature of an entity’s role in a particular matter, analyzing existing waivers, and researching corporate relationships of affiliated companies; engages in discussions with lawyers to gather information and/or clarification as needed.
• Review and clear conflicts related to all client/matter intake requests as well as day-to-day conflict search requests, which requires in-depth understanding of the firm’s new business intake process, conflicts database, and client/matter data.
• Conduct searches for lateral and contract attorney and non-lawyer staff prior work history conflicts as well as lateral business intake conflicts. Prepare a summary of potential conflicts identified for the recruiting attorney and administrative directors/managers involved in the hiring and/or lateral intake process.
• Work with responsible attorneys and relevant administrative departments to implement ethical walls for new clients/matters where necessary as well as incoming candidates when deemed appropriate.
• Draft conflict waiver language on behalf of responsible attorneys and communicate waiver requests to clients, where appropriate.
• Consult with the Director of Risk Management & Conflicts and the Loss Prevention Partner and/or responsible partners regarding conflicts or new business issues that cannot be immediately resolved, such as complex conflicts questions, or issues requiring research or the application of conflicts or new business subject matter expertise.
• Review new business intake forms in the automated workflow system for accuracy and consistency.
• Ensure compliance with all firm rules for lateral hires and business intake; review engagement letters, billing information, exception rates, waiver letters, Outside Counsel Guidelines.
• Provide assistance to lawyers on how to read and interpret conflicts of interest reports; how to use the business intake systems and provide assistance to firm members on how to utilize conflicts/new business intake automated workflow system.
• Work closely with the Director of Risk Management & Conflicts, other Conflicts Attorney(s) and the Business Intake team to ensure coordination of systems, workflow and outcomes.
• Document workflow process and procedures and update as needed.
• Review and maintain the accuracy of the firm wide New Business Report.
• Keep current on trends in conflicts of interest management by participating in professional activities and by reading and contribution to the literature of legal records and risk management organizations.
• Attend legal software (i.e. Intapp, Aderant, iManage, etc.) training sessions, conferences, presentations, and conventions as necessary.
• Field incoming emails and phone calls to the conflict’s inquiry distribution list and phone line.
• Assist in developing and maintaining a library of forms, templates, exemplar language and other resources.
• Attend on-site in person team meetings and/or training sessions as location permits.
• Assist in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Experience Required

• J.D. from an accredited law school, bar admission in good standing in a state where Robinson & Cole operates an office.
• Minimum of five years of experience in medium or large law firm or professional services organization.
• General knowledge of the Rules of Professional Responsibility and ability to research rules applicable to conflicts and lateral attorney migration within the jurisdictions in which we practice.
• Knowledge of the conflicts and new business intake process and the ethical, legal, and risk management rules and requirements governing conflicts of interest and conflicts resolution processes required.
• Strong knowledge of ethical, legal, and risk management rules and requirements governing conflicts of interest and conflicts resolution processes.
• Prior experience utilizing automated conflicts and/or workflow systems, Intapp Open Intake System or similar experience preferred.

See the complete job posting on this page for more details on the job requirements and to apply for this position.

About R + C

Our dedicated, talented, and diverse team of business professionals are integral to the R+C community and contribute to our positive, inclusive workplace environment. Business professionals not only provide invaluable support and high-quality service to our Attorneys and other internal clients, but enable us to provide outstanding legal service to our external clients as well. When you join R+C, you will work alongside great people and experience a work environment rich in, civility, collaboration, engagement and growth opportunities for all. Why Work at R+C?

Whether you are interested in joining one of our business service areas such as Finance, Business Development and Marketing, Information Technology, Talent Management or one of the many legal practice areas which include Business Transactions, Immigration, Real Estate and Intellectual Property to name a few, you will become part of a team where your contributions and efforts are valued and a firm that knows our people are our greatest asset.

Learn more about working at the firm on their careers page.

And if you’re interested in seeing your firm’s listings here, please feel free to reach out…

In this BRB jobs update, I’m pleased to highlight an opening at Duane Morris:”Conflicts and Business Intake Compliance Counsel” —

• We are seeking a Conflicts and Business Intake Compliance Counsel.
• The ideal candidate will act as counsel to the law firm in identifying and resolving actual and potential conflicts of interest arising out of new business intake and the hiring of lawyers and staff joining the firm, as well as assisting with the onboarding of clients, matters, lawyers and staff.
• Core responsibilities include counseling lawyers and staff in resolving actual and potential conflicts and providing legal and operational support for the Office of General Counsel in its implementation of risk management strategies relating to new business intake, legal hiring, compliance and other legal matters involving the firm.
• Members of the Office of General Counsel work as an integrated team with many other departments of the firm, including management, and they are seen as valued resources and trusted advisors to the partners, associates and staff of the firm.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform initial review of conflicts reports requested by firm attorneys, identify actual and potential conflicts of interest and coordinate resolution of conflicts among all involved parties.
• Advise the firm and its attorneys regarding the appropriate form and terms of engagement letters for use in documenting new engagements and counseling and assisting attorneys on drafting such letters as needed.
• Approve engagement letter drafts prior to distribution to clients and assist with drafting waivers for inclusion in engagement letters or separate letters as required.
• Monitor compliance with new business intake instructions and requirements, such as the completion and execution of appropriate engagement letters and any necessary waivers, implementation of ethical screens where necessary and assessment of intake risk by the firm.
• Act as a resource in assisting firm attorneys in understanding conflicts of interest and managing conflicts and new business intake in an appropriate manner, including participation in firm presentations and training programs as needed.
• Review conflicts reports for incoming lateral lawyers, new lawyers and legal support staff and take necessary action to clear actual and potential conflicts of interest, including interfacing with candidates where necessary to obtain further information about their work.

OTHER DUTIES ASSIGNED:

• Provide legal advice to the firm and its personnel regarding various professional responsibility and risk management matters as required by the Office of General Counsel.
• Tasks may include development and updating of firm policies and forms for internal use; reviewing and providing legal advice regarding client Outside Counsel Guidelines and vendor contracts; maintaining and updating terms of engagement letters, waiver letters and related documents based on changes in the law and firm practice; assisting in development of strategies and methodologies for identifying, managing, and resolving conflicts of interest and assessing client and matter fit; and developing and/or conducting internal conflicts training for the firm’s lawyers and staff.

EXTENT OF CONTACT:

This position requires a high degree of contact with:

• the firm’s General Counsel and Assistant General Counsels;
• the firm’s Director of Office Services, Business Intake Risk and Compliance Director, Business Intake Manager, Conflicts Specialists and other business intake staff;
• firm partners, associates and staff, including executive management.
• This position requires limited contact with individuals outside of the firm.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT:
(necessary travel, unusual work hours, unusual environmental conditions, etc.)

• Position is full-time, requiring a 5-day work week and standard hours as outlined in the firm policy manual, with additional hours as required when necessary to meet deadlines.
• Limited domestic travel, possibly involving multiple-day trips requiring overnight stays, may be required in order to attend training seminars/CLE programs, firm meetings and the like.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Adheres to highest ethical standards for behavior.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, including the ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints.
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to permit effective communication in person, by e-mail and telephone with a diverse group of lawyers and staff.
• Ability to recognize actual and potential conflicts of interest under applicable professional standards, other issues that could be viewed as conflicts of interest from an ethical and/or business perspective, and effectively discussing and resolving such issues with the lawyers and staff involved.
• Prior experience as a conflicts attorney, or experience in legal ethics, conflicts analysis and/or review, representation of law firms and the like.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• J.D. degree.
• Member of the State Bar in good standing in Duane Morris office where candidate will sit.
• Minimum 4 years’ experience as a practicing lawyer in a business law firm environment and/or prior experience as a conflicts attorney in a law firm setting.

See the complete job posting for more details on the job requirements and to apply for this position.

About Duane Morris

Duane Morris’ dedicated professional and administrative support staff provides the technological and administrative infrastructure for the firm. The day-to-day activities of our staff are at the foundation of the firm’s success. The underlying values of teamwork, commitment and service demonstrated every day are not only shared by our entire staff, but they also mirror the seamless, high-quality legal services that our lawyers deliver to the firm’s clients.

More than 650 professional and administrative employees at Duane Morris focus on a variety of disciplines, including accounting, facilities, human resources, information services, legal recruiting, library services, marketing and communications, and office and secretarial services.

Learn more about working at the firm on their careers page.

And if you’re interested in seeing your firm’s listings here, please feel free to reach out…

In this BRB jobs update, I’m pleased to highlight an opening at Lathrop GPM “Senior Intake Analyst” —

• Lathrop GPM, one of the nation’s leading law firms, has an immediate opening for a Senior Intake Analyst in our Minneapolis, MN, Kansas City, MO or San Jose, CA location.
• The Senior Intake Analyst is responsible for supporting the firm’s client and matter intake process through the review, processing, and analysis of new business forms and conflicts checks. Through their subject matter expertise, the Senior Intake Analyst will act as a resource for firm personnel both within and outside of the Intake department.
• All responsibilities are expected to be performed with a commitment to providing excellent customer and risk management service to the partnership in a matter consistent with firm values.

Conflicts & Analysis

• Perform conflicts checks for new client, matter, and additional parties intake forms, including the identification of potential conflicts of interest and providing relevant information to assist the Professional Responsibility Committee (PRC) in clearing potential conflicts of interest
• Perform review and analysis of new representations as it relates to risk considerations and firm specific special processing procedures
• Research prospective clients and related parties using firm databases and web-based applications
• Perform due diligence and credit checks on prospective clients
• Conduct sanctions list screenings for prospective clients and parties involved in proposed representations
• Process conflicts checks for lateral hire candidates
• Process and manage correspondence related to intake forms including retrieving appropriate approvals for non-standard language
• Other duties as assigned.

Subject Matter Resource

• Act as point of contact to answer questions and provide guidance for newly trained employees at the firm, both within and outside of the Intake department
• Help facilitate seamless onboarding, client transfers and matter openings for lateral partners and partner groups
• Assist Intake management with keeping department resources, such as Compass, Intake internal procedure documents, and Intapp Open system documentation, current and making recommendations for improvements
• Identify potential risk considerations and special processing procedures applicable to the opening of new clients and matters

Client Matter Management

• Assist with attorney offboarding as it relates to ensuring the accuracy of firm client matter data and records
• Process and manage requests to change or update client matter information
• Liaise with firm attorneys and legal administrative assistance to ensure client correspondence such as engagement letters, client Outside Counsel Guidelines, and conflicts waivers are obtained when necessary, up to date, and saved in the appropriate repositories

Service

• Track and follow up on all outstanding requests and new business intake form approvals
• Respond to calls, emails and workflow requests from firm attorneys, legal administrative assistants, and other personnel regarding the new business intake process and requests
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years’ related experience
• Minimum of three years’ experience in conflicts or new business intake in a law firm

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience with Intapp Open
• Working knowledge of Model Rules of Professional Conduct and their practical application in a mid to large size law firm

In addition to the essential job duties, the following are requisite physical, mental and//or performance requirements of the positions:

• Ability to problem-solve.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to identify risk considerations and synthesize large amounts of client due diligence data and conflicts of interest information.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in a virtual environment (e.g., via phone, web/videoconference).
• Ability to concentrate on tasks, make decisions and work calmly and effectively in a high-pressure, deadline-orientated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to use good judgment in taking initiative while asking for direction or clarification and consulting others, as appropriate.
• Willingness to be flexible with time and adjust to a changing work environment.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships, both internally and externally, while maintaining a client service orientation.
• Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in dealing with highly confidential information.
• Ability to maintain stamina throughout a standard workday, on- and off-site.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and work regularly scheduled hours.
• Ability to take direction and accept supervision.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently, organize and accurately prioritize work, be detail-oriented, understand when urgency is required and use good judgment in varied situations.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

See the complete job posting for more details on the job requirements and to apply for this position.

About Lathrop GPM

Lathrop GPM is a full-service, Am Law 200 law firm with offices in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Overland Park, St. Cloud, St. Louis, San Jose, Redwood Shores and Washington, D.C. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, and a professional, challenging, yet comfortable hybrid working environment.

Learn more about working at the firm on their careers page.

And if you’re interested in seeing your firm’s listings here, please feel free to reach out…

In this BRB jobs update, I’m pleased to highlight an opening at Perkins Coie: “Conflicts Attorney” —

• Perkins Coie is looking for a dynamic, qualified individual to fill a Conflicts Attorney position performing conflicts analysis on new business and firm lateral hires, and advising firm lawyers on conflicts of interest issues.
• The Conflicts Attorney will independently review, research, and resolve conflicts issues related to firm new business and staff personnel and ensure compliance with ethical standards in all jurisdictions as well as firm policies.
• For purposes of complying with Export Control laws, candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Essential Functions

• Analyze conflicts of interest on new business and firm lateral hires. Resolve issues that arise in such matters, including when drafting waivers/consents and advising on ethical issues relating to withdrawal and screening.
• Act as a legal advisor to firm lawyers on conflicts of interest issues.
• Perform legal research and prepare legal memoranda in response to requests from the General Counsel, firm lawyers, managers, and various firm committees.
• Assist management in handling sensitive and confidential issues related to practice management and firm ethics. Provide training on conflict issues.
• Analyze complex factual situations and spot issues where problems might occur.
• Draft complex waivers/consents, engagement letters, and joint representation letters in final format.
• Negotiate between lawyers in resolving disputes over conflicts and waivers.
• Perform other related legal work as needed.

Specific Skills Required

• Knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct and their application to the practice of law.
• Solid understanding of jurisdictional differences in the application of varying rules and principles in making a choice of law analysis.
• Ability to effectively cope with change, including the capacity to decide and act without having the total picture.
• Thorough understanding of a wide range of areas of law, including being able to identify the roles of parties in matters, and possession of a solid comprehension of business organizations and financing concepts as well as litigation principles and procedures, such as depositions, subpoenas, roles of codefendants, and comparative fault.
• Strong legal research and writing skills, including the ability to compile and analyze complex data and furnish detailed information clearly and concisely.
• Strong critical-thinking skills and eye for detail; ability to spot problems and propose creative solutions.
• Project management skills, including the ability to spot issues, manage time well, prioritize effectively, adapt to quick changes, and handle multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to collaborate with others within the department and firm.
• Well-developed and professional interpersonal skills; ability to interact and communicate effectively with people at all organizational levels of the firm, both orally and in writing, consistent with communication best practices.
• Proficiency with MS Office.

Specific Skills Preferred

• Understanding of litigation practice and working knowledge of law firm processes.
• Ability to detect procedural problems and determine appropriate relationships.
• Relevant knowledge/familiarity with Intapp products (Conflicts, Intake, Walls, Terms) and Elite 3E.
• Previous experience clearing firm lateral hires, including working directly with new hire candidates and firm partners to resolve issues, experience reviewing and analyzing former client issues, and working cross-departmentally with new hire onboarding efforts.

Education and Experience

• Qualified candidates must have a Juris Doctorate and a minimum of three years of practice experience.
• Need to be an active member in good standing in any jurisdiction and have a strong working knowledge of relevant topics, legal issues, and the rules governing professional responsibility.
• Applicants must be licensed and in good standing to practice law in the state of the office they would be based out of.
• The candidate will also be able to provide demonstrated success in a stressful environment.

See the complete job posting for more details on the job requirements and to apply for this position.

Learn more about working at the firm on their careers page.

And if you’re interested in seeing your firm’s listings here, please feel free to reach out…

Pleased to highlight a new open position from Moore & Van Allen: “Conflicts Analyst” —

• Moore & Van Allen PLLC, a dynamic and fast-growing full-service law firm of more than 400 attorneys and professionals, is seeking an experienced Conflicts Analyst to join our Conflicts team.
• This full-time position may be based in our Charlotte office or fully remote.
• The Conflicts Analyst is responsible for conducting database searches to identify and analyze potential conflicts of interest based on information provided in new file requests and from other sources.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Reviewing new client/matter request forms to ensure accuracy and completeness of all required information.
• Searching the database to identify and analyze potential conflicts of interest during new business intake and when hiring new attorneys and staff
• Responding to search requests, and various other requests, from attorneys, paralegals and legal practice assistants.
• Preparing conflicts results report in response to conflicts search requests.
• Participating in special database projects including periodic software updates, testing and troubleshooting.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent in experience, plus an additional year of legal or database experience in a professional environment.
• Candidates must already be, or are able to become, proficient in Intapp Open and Aderant software systems and basic legal conflicts of interest analysis
• Must possess excellent demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills and strong research and organizational abilities.
• Must be able to work in a professional environment and work well with others as part of a team.

Note: This position is remote work eligible in the following states: NC, SC, FL, VA, TN, OR, OH, TX, GA, MA, and CO.

For additional detail:

• You can see more details in the specific job posting here
• And read more about professional life and benefits at the firm  on their careers page:
  • “Moore & Van Allen has built a highly skilled and client-service focused legal and administrative staff, who add greatly to our ability to serve the firm’s clients. As with our legal professionals, paralegals and staff members enjoy a culture that emphasizes teamwork and professionalism.”

And if you’re interested in seeing your firm’s listings here, please feel free to reach out!

In this BRB jobs update, I’m pleased to spotlight an open position at Dentons Canada: “Conflicts Attorney” (apply via email address below) —

The Opportunity in Summary

• A fully remote position.
• Dentons Canada is seeking a Conflicts Attorney to join our Canada conflicts team, reporting to the Conflicts Director and with exposure to the Canada General Counsel. The Conflicts Attorney will assist with complex conflict of interest issues Firm wide while playing an integral role in the Firm’s client-matter intake process.
• We are specifically seeking: US conflicts attorneys, with substantive conflicts experience of minimum 18 months under the US professional rules at preferably an international business, or large national, law firm — this is an essential requirement. Training in the applicable Canadian professional rules, which are substantially similar to the US rules, will be provided — this is not needed in advance.
• A prior fee earning background of minimum a few years at preferably an international business, or national, law firm is highly desirable but not essential. Commercial acumen is essential. Intapp experience is highly preferred. The ability to perform searches independently (ideally on Intapp, or another similar platform) from scratch is essential.
• There is a preference for the Pacific time zone, but all time zones will be considered.
• Are you interested in stimulating and challenging work, while maintaining a stable work schedule, with the option to work fully remotely? If so, we would love to talk to you about joining our conflicts team!

Primary Responsibilities – the below are indicative:
*****Please note that training in the applicable Canadian professional rules, which are substantially similar to the US rules, will be provided — this is not needed in advance.

As a member of the Canada Region’s conflicts team, the Conflicts Attorney will have the following primary responsibilities:

• In relation to potential and existing matters: develop search strategies, and analyze and facilitate resolution of complex legal conflicts of interest and confidential information issues under the relevant rules of professional conduct, and the Firm’s own conflicts policies.
• Identify, analyze and facilitate resolution of complex potential commercial conflicts issues with the partnership, including, where appropriate, drafting consent terms and coordinating the implementation of information barriers.
• In relation to Firm responses to RFPs: completing the conflicts analysis and conflicts statements, and navigating potential commercial / policy issues.
• Review client terms and advise on potential conflicts issues, including providing commercially appropriate solutions in light of how the Firm is positioned vis-à-vis other clients / market sectors etc.
• Review lateral hire mandates for potential conflicts and advise on appropriate solutions. This includes communicating directly with lateral candidates.
• Proactively brokering discussions between partners Firmwide and other stakeholders as necessary to navigate and resolve legal and commercial conflicts, and confidentiality issues.
• Input into Firm wide policy issues, including sector positioning, as it relates to conflicts.
• Provide ad hoc advice to partners and other fee earners as required.
• Draft and review conflicts-related language for client engagement letters.
• As necessary, advise lawyers and professionals as to the Firm’s conflicts rights and obligations under existing client engagement agreements
• Contribute to the department’s ‘know how’ system.
• From time to time, assist other colleagues with queries and help train junior members, if needed.
• From time-to-time, develop and deliver training.
• Other duties as assigned to fully meet the requirements of the position.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Must hold a law degree and be admitted to practice law in the US.
• Comprehensive knowledge of US conflicts rules and guidelines—US knowledge is transferable to the Canadian context.
• Prior substantive and demonstrable conflicts experience under the US rules is essential —minimum 18 months, preferably with an international business law firm, or a large national law firm.
• Highly desirable – a prior fee earning background of minimum a few years at preferably an international business law firm, or national law firm.
• Knowledge of a variety of practice areas, including insolvency, to understand where possible conflicts issues may arise within them.
• Intapp experience highly preferred.
• Understands, without prompting, that there may be occasions where it is necessary to work beyond standard business hours given the nature of conflicts at an international law firm.
• The ability to perform searches independently (ideally on Intapp, or another similar platform) from scratch is essential.

Key skills / attributes:

• Proactive and ongoing knowledge of the applicable conflicts rules and resources.
• Excellent ability to present complex legal and commercial issues to partners under time pressurized circumstances, recognizing what is relevant and what is not.
• Excellent commercial acumen, and application of pragmatic thinking and common sense.
• Ability to recognize / test / probe issues independently and present a defensible analysis, often under pressure.
• Ability to deal with incomplete / ambiguous information and make sound judgment calls.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing deadlines effectively.
• Exceptional attention to detail and able to think critically.
• Ability to ‘think outside of the box’ and take the initiative.
• Knowledge of a wide area of legal practices including, but not limited to, corporate, financing and insolvency.
• Proactively issue spotting.
• Able to think on the spot and be quick learner.
• Demonstrate efficiency and thoroughness in work, with a methodical and organized approach.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information.
• Exhibit strong teamwork skills, and interact positively at all levels within the Firm.
• Remain composed under pressure.
• Proactive and client-focused with an ability to leverage problem-solving and analytical skills to solution complex issues.
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, and can manage difficult situations under pressure and within tight deadlines.
• Work with minimal supervision.
• Upholds the Firm’s values, promoting equal opportunities and diversity.
• Acts as a professional ambassador for the Firm, demonstrating commitment to privacy and ethical conduct.

WHAT DENTONS OFFERS
Join a firm that is recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers (2024)!

Comprehensive total rewards package, including, but not limited to:

• Competitive salary and health benefits, virtual healthcare services, RRSP matching program and a leading parental leave policy.
• Fully remote role.
• Intellectually stimulating and rewarding work in conflicts and ethics.
• Exposure to senior partners in Canada and globally, and to the Canada General Counsel.
• Opportunities for professional growth.

**To apply for this position, please send a detailed resume: conflictsrecruitment.canada@dentons.com

*We thank all applicants who apply, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

ABOUT DENTONS

• Dentons is designed to be different. Our firm leads the way in a rapidly changing legal marketplace. We challenge the status quo and deliver consistent results as well as uncompromising quality and value to our clients. Our global presence is renowned as a firm with over 21,000 individuals in more than 200 offices serving clients across 80+ countries.
• Dentons Canada is committed to its people and communities. We are consistently recognized as an employer of choice having received numerous awards including being selected as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers (2024); Canada’s Top Employers for Young People (2024); Alberta Top 80 Employers (2024), and Canada’s Best Diversity Employers (2023).
• This role is an opportunity for you to join the world’s largest law firm, a firm that offers opportunities to build your career while growing your skills and deepening your expertise.

And if you’re interested in seeing your firm’s listings here, please feel free to reach out…